Impostor syndrome and criticism: How can they impact our self-worth at work?

Poles fear criticism, the survey indicates

The survey of 615 adults from various parts of Poland revealed that nearly half of Polish respondents are afraid to put themselves forward at work for fear of being criticized. This fear of negative feedback is not just limited to women, though the data suggests that women, in particular, struggle more with handling unfavorable comments. Only 44% of those surveyed feel that they can take criticism constructively. For the rest, criticism tends to evoke emotions like stress, anxiety, and self-doubt, often perceived as a threat rather than a tool for self-improvement.

How can negative feedback during job search impact us?

This apprehension is especially pronounced during job searches. According to the report, 45% of participants admitted that rejection from recruiters during the application process deeply affected them, especially for those from smaller towns. The survey revealed that 66% of rural residents felt hurt by rejection, while only 33% of urban residents shared this sentiment. This disparity may stem from the greater availability of jobs in urban areas, where residents will likely have more opportunities to secure employment, reducing the emotional impact of any rejection.

Avoiding criticism at work

However, it’s not just job rejections that cause distress. Polish professionals are also likely to avoid taking risks at work, preferring to stay within their comfort zone. The survey indicated that 56% of Poles believe one should behave in a way that avoids criticism altogether. While this mindset might protect individuals from negative feedback, it also discourages them from taking initiatives or stepping into leadership roles, thereby missing valuable opportunities for growth and recognition.

What is impostor syndrome and how prevalent is it in Poland?

One of the most concerning findings of the survey is the prevalence of impostor syndrome among Poles.

Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their abilities, despite evidence of success and competence. It is often accompanied by a deep-seated fear of being exposed as a fraud or someone undeserving of their accomplishments. This phenomenon is not unique to Poland, but recent surveys show that a significant portion of the Polish population struggles with impostor syndrome, especially in the workplace.

According to the study conducted by CVeasy.pl, more than half of respondents (57%) admitted to experiencing feelings of inadequacy at work, despite evidence of their competence. Out of these, 16% face impostor syndrome frequently, while 41% report dealing with it occasionally. This issue appears to be more common among residents of smaller towns, possibly due to limited opportunities for career advancement and a smaller pool of professionals to compare themselves against.

How does impostor syndrome impact our self-esteem?

According to Ewelina Salwuk-Marko, an academic lecturer who commented on the survey findings, success for individuals suffering from impostor syndrome often feels more like a burden than an accomplishment. There is a constant pressure to prove oneself again and again, and every achievement feels temporary, as if it doesn’t truly belong to the individual. This can lead to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction, where no amount of success feels enough to dispel the self-doubt.

This lack of confidence often translates into professional self-sabotage. People with impostor syndrome often damage their own professional reputation by sowing seeds of doubt in their teams or colleagues. Even if they are productive and competent, their inability to assert themselves and take pride in their achievements can prevent them from being seen as leadership material, blocking opportunities for raises, promotions, or new career paths.

Overcoming impostor syndrome

While the survey paints a picture of widespread self-doubt and anxiety, there are ways for individuals to overcome these challenges. The research suggests that building self-awareness and confidence is key to combatting impostor syndrome. This involves recognizing and internalizing one’s achievements, rather than attributing them to luck or external factors. For many, mentorship programs or coaching can help shift this mindset, as positive feedback from trusted mentors can reinforce a sense of competence and worth.

How to handle criticism and learn from it?

What is more, learning to handle criticism is another essential skill. Rather than perceiving negative feedback as an attack, individuals can view it as an opportunity for growth. By separating personal worth from professional performance, employees can better respond to feedback without internalizing it as a reflection of their value as individuals. Constructive criticism, when taken in stride, can become a useful tool for self-improvement and career development.

Overall, it seems that we should try to adopt a growth mindset. By shifting our focus to learning and development rather than perfection, we can alleviate the pressure to perform flawlessly. This shift in perspective can reduce the fear of criticism, encouraging us to take risks and seize opportunities that may otherwise be missed due to self-doubt.

Sources:

cveasy.pl, “ Jak Polacy radzą sobie z krytyką? Wyniki badania”